(Cape Town, 11 October 2004) The future of Cape Town's historic business and government heart - its East City precinct - will be the focus this week of an investment and development conference to be hosted by the Cape Town Partnership and the City of Cape Town.

The need to focus regeneration efforts on the East City precinct has come about as a result of the rapid rate of development and investment on the Foreshore and in the West City. It is important to bring this historically and culturally rich area on a par with development activity in the rest of the Central City.

Cape Town's Mayor Nomaindia Mfeketo, who will be delivering the keynote address, said the City recognises the historical, social and economic importance of the East City and the Central City as a whole in the Metropole and fully supports the conference and its aims.

The East City and surrounds represents opportunities for well-located mixed-income, mixed use development so necessary for the integration of our city.

Andrew Boraine, Chief Executive of the Cape Town Partnership, said that the Partnership was excited by the challenges and opportunities offered by the regeneration of Cape Town's East City.

"The aim of the conference is to consult public and private stakeholders on an urban renewal strategy for the area, to popularise existing initiatives and activities, to align public and private efforts and to promote partnerships for joint action. We hope to learn more about the East City from the people who live, work and do business there, and from those involved in a range of existing projects and development.

"The East City precinct has lagged behind levels of investment compared to other parts of the Central City and its wellbeing is of enormous value for a number of reasons. Firstly it houses the National Parliament and is the location of important government and educational services. It is also the arrival and departure point for thousands of Capetonians using public transport. Lastly, it contains important people's heritage sites and public spaces."

The East City Investment and Development Conference and Exhibition takes place at the Holiday Inn Strand Street from 08h00 on Wednesday 13th October 2004.

ENDS

For more information contact the Partnership's Terri Carter on 021- 419

1881 or

Basil Tommy at the City of Cape Town on 021-400 2320 or Enid Vickers on 021-

426 1233

Enid Vickers

Corporate Image

Tel: 021 426 1233

Mobile: 083 460 3910